Makerere celebrates Kwame Nkrumah’s enduring legacy of Pan-Africanism

KAMPALA – Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Auditorium resonated with tributes to Kwame Nkrumah, the visionary leader and titan of Pan-Africanism, as the institution marked the 70th anniversary of Nkrumah Hall.

The momentous occasion featured a public lecture and celebrations on the Nkrumah Hall grounds, drawing students, scholars, and dignitaries. The event reflected on Nkrumah’s profound impact on African liberation and his unwavering commitment to African unity.

Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister Emeritus and special envoy of the President of Uganda, delivered a powerful keynote address. He urged the younger generation to embody Nkrumah’s dream of a unified Africa, emphasizing that African continental agreements are a direct outcome of Nkrumah’s philosophy of Pan-Africanism.

“Nkrumah realized that without protection, Africans would continue to be exploited. He asserted that Africa must unite. He authored a classical text titled ‘Africa Must Unite,’ in which he passionately articulated the importance of trade and collaboration among African nations,” Dr. Rugunda noted.

Dr. Rugunda highlighted Nkrumah’s collaborations with freedom fighters and Pan-Africanists, including Julius Nyerere, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Patrice Lumumba. He also mentioned Nkrumah’s work with Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, a pivotal intellectual leader in the struggle for African American rights and equality.

“Upon Ghana’s independence in 1957, Kwame Nkrumah stated that the freedom of Ghana would be meaningless unless it was linked to the liberation of the entire continent. To this end, he ensured that Ghana served as a political and military base for training African freedom fighters to prepare for their respective nations’ liberation,” Dr. Rugunda remarked.

He explained that Nkrumah recognized how colonial powers aimed to weaken and divide Africa in order to exploit its natural resources and people, leading to the enslavement of Africans while developing other parts of the world. This exploitation served the interests of others, rather than those of the African people. Consequently, Nkrumah understood that Africans needed protection.

“Nkrumah realized that without protection, Africans would continue to be exploited. He asserted that Africa must unite. He authored a classical text titled ‘Africa Must Unite,’ in which he passionately articulated the importance of trade and collaboration among African nations. Even 45 years ago, his insights into the dangers of colonialism and neo-colonialism, which he described as the final stage of independence, were profoundly relevant,” he stated.

“President SékouTouré of Guinea declared Kwame Nkrumah co-President of Guinea—an honor I have not heard being bestowed upon anyone else in the world. His special duty as co-president was to champion the cause of African liberation. He had previously done so in Ghana, and President Sékou believed he would do it again. A year later, in 1967, Nkrumah organized the All-African Peoples’ Conference in Accra, resolutely inspiring the struggle for independence and liberation across Africa,” Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted.

Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda reflected on his time at Makerere University, where he enrolled in 1969 as a medical student under the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, a renowned alumnus. Back then, the university was still growing, with only a handful of residence halls. Dr. Rugunda was assigned to New Hall, which would later be renamed Nkrumah Hall in 1970, a testament to Kwame Nkrumah’s profound influence on African liberation.

Dr. Rugunda recounted the fervent student activism that swept the university, mirroring the broader movements across Uganda and Africa. As Africa fought against colonialism, Kwame Nkrumah emerged as an iconic figure, dedicating Ghana’s resources to the continent’s collective progress.

“The renaming of New Hall was a pivotal moment,” Dr. Rugunda explained. “Students gathered in the Senior Common Room and unanimously passed a resolution to rename the hall in honor of Nkrumah’s legacy. I’m proud to have been part of that decision, which was later approved by the university administration. Today, I’m heartened to see a statue commemorating Nkrumah’s impact on African history.”

Kwame Rugunda, son of Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, urged the audience to add value to Nkrumah’s teachings and philosophy, promoting African unity and independence.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Makerere University and the leadership of Nkrumah Hall for organizing this event and fostering an environment conducive to symposia and discussions of this nature. I recommend that this become an annual event to ensure that more students and the general public are reminded of the vision, ideals, and significant contributions of the iconic Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah and what he advocated for,” Kwame Rugunda concluded.

Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), reflected on colonial powers’ tactics to weaken and divide Africa. He noted that Kwame Nkrumah recognized the need to address distortions, particularly division, for true independence.

“Africa was exploited like a prized possession, its resources plundered and controlled,” Maj. Gen. Masiko said. “Nkrumah understood that independence required five key objectives: inclusive liberation, freedom, prosperity, reassembly, and recovery of African dignity and identity.”

Maj. Gen. Masiko described Africa as the cradle of humanity, rich in resources and civilization. Despite its glorious past, Africa has been marginalized over the last 600 years. He attributed this decline to enslavement, colonization, and internal challenges.

Nkrumah championed African unity, advocating for a United States of Africa during the Organization of African Unity’s founding meeting. “Nkrumah envisioned a cohesive Africa, with one president, one army, and one government,” Maj. Gen. Masiko said.

Today, Maj. Gen. Masiko urged embracing Nkrumah’s dream of unity. “Nkrumah’s spirit lives on, challenging us to reunite Africa. Imagine a unified continent – why not? Perhaps future generations will serve in the United Forces of Africa or a federal African government.”

Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko’s powerful speech highlighted the need for African unity, reflecting on the Berlin Conference where European colonialists divided Africa without any African representation. He proposed designating November to February as “Months of Disaster” to commemorate the partitioning of Africa and raise awareness about its impact. This symbolic initiative could inspire Africans to work towards reunification, just as Berlin reunited after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Masiko emphasized that Africa’s borders are artificial, created by colonial powers, and urged the younger generation to carry forward Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of unity. He questioned the effectiveness of regional integration, particularly in the East African Community (EAC), citing the presence of refugees from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Uganda.

Challenges facing regional integration include the refugee crisis, with many refugees in Uganda coming from neighboring countries, highlighting the need for improved regional cooperation. Additionally, artificial borders created by colonial powers continue to divide Africa, hindering unity and cooperation. Economic inequality also fuels tensions within the region.

To address these challenges, regional cooperation initiatives such as the East African Community aim to facilitate free movement of persons, goods, and services among member states. The EAC Regional Refugee Management Policy seeks to address refugee challenges through harmonized regional approaches. Furthermore, the African Continental Strategy on Migration focuses on safe, orderly, and regular migration within and outside Africa.

Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of Makerere University Council, highlighted Kwame Nkrumah’s enduring vision for a united and independent Africa. As a Pan-Africanism champion, Nkrumah advocated for self-determination and unity against colonialism. Magara emphasized that Nkrumah’s dream extended beyond Ghana, encompassing the entire continent’s aspiration for unity.

Nkrumah’s vision remains relevant today, inspiring the fight for Africa’s independence. His ideals of a united, independent, and equitable Africa should be integrated into educational, social, and political environments. Magara stressed the importance of intergenerational conversations to inspire the young generation.

With 73% of Uganda’s population under 17, Magara called for renewed commitment to Nkrumah’s ideals among the youth. She encouraged young people to engage in conversations about their history and the legacies of those who fought for their freedom. Magara proposed “Ekyooto,” a fireside discussion for young people to explore Nkrumah’s vision and its actualization.

“Ekyooto” aims to bridge the generational gap, empowering the youth to carry forward the torch of unity and purpose. By articulating actions with elders, young people can actualize Nkrumah’s ideals. Magara’s proposal emphasizes passing on values and knowledge through conversations and storytelling.

Makerere University has already begun “Ekyooto” discussions, bringing together young people and university students to explore Nkrumah’s vision. This initiative prioritizes unity, cooperation, and intergenerational learning, essential for Africa’s future.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, praised Kwame Nkrumah as a symbol of African pride, inspiring leaders and fostering continental unity. Nkrumah’s vision for a united Africa remains relevant, promoting pride in African heritage and identity. Mukadasi commended Nkrumah Hall students and residents for organizing the event, supported by the Dean of Students’ Office.

Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, Dean of Students, emphasized Nkrumah’s emphasis on integration and Pan-Africanism to address contemporary challenges. Nkrumah advocated for homegrown solutions to build a stable and strong African nation. Kwame Rugunda, son of Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, acknowledged young people’s responsibility to continue Nkrumah’s work, championing unity and cooperation across Africa.

Nkrumah’s legacy extends beyond Ghana, influencing African international relations during decolonization. His commitment to Pan-Africanism and unity inspires generations to confront challenges collectively. The celebration at Makerere University serves as a reminder of Nkrumah’s enduring impact, urging Africans to take ownership of their destiny.

The event highlighted Nkrumah’s enduring legacy, emphasizing the importance of Pan-Africanism, homegrown solutions, and collective responsibility. As Kwame Rugunda emphasized, “We must not look to the West or the East for our direction; we are the architects of our own destiny.” This message resonates with the need for Africans to drive their own development and unity.

The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony at the statue of Kwame Nkrumah in front of Nkrumah Hall, symbolizing the continuation of Nkrumah’s vision.